For Scott Elarton, being honored as the International League Pitcher of the
Week is another confirmation that his comeback is on the right path. Elarton's
comeback was initiated by a chance meeting with Ruben Amaro Jr. during the 2011
season. Elarton met Amaro in Colorado and mentioned that he would be interested
in attempting a comeback and the Phillies GM personally attended a workout by
Elarton prior to giving him a minor league contract. Elarton pitched well in
spring training, but wound up starting the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley
where he has gone 3-1, 2.84 in six starts for the IronPigs.
Over the past week, Elarton started two games and picked up wins in both
games while posting a 0.75 ERA. Currently, Elarton has pitched ten straight
shutout innings, the most by any IronPigs pitcher this season. Elarton is the
second 'Pigs pitcher to win the International League Pitcher of the Week honor
this season; Tyler Cloyd picked up the honor in the first week of the season
after throwing six perfect innings in his Triple-A debut on opening night.
IronPigs starters have now turned in five straight six inning outings and are
3-0 with a 2.32 ERA during that span. Lehigh Valley's rotation includes three
starters with major league experience, with Elarton having pitched ten seasons
in the majors, including winning 17 games for Houston in 2000 and 11 games for
Cleveland in 2005. Dave Bush, who initially signed a minor league deal with the
Phillies last season, is an eight season veteran of the majors who is 2-2 with a
3.71 ERA with the 'Pigs this season. Pat Misch signed a minor league deal with
the Phillies during the off-season and has struggled in his five starts with
Lehigh Valley this season, working to a 6.56 ERA and a 1-4 record.